Curses by those whose voices are soaked in salt.
Where we once dreamed of flight—the skies
Promised liberation. We see wealthy men
Mock our imagination.
What we need are the small gifts
Tenderness
Kindness
A seat in the shade on a hot day
We can roam riot in the streets, hatred is but one of the ways
We find ourselves defined, defiled. Hatred hollers on the
Banks of many rivers, enters churches, synagogues, temples
Spreads blood across the floors of elementary schools, courthouses
Bars on a Tuesday, a Wednesday in daylight or twilight
Our shouting voices, our vengeful voices demand justice
Demand justice
Command contempt from branded commenters, their cosmeticized faces
Wreathed with lights made possible by capitalism.
We are grieving the many thousands, no millions gone,
Rituals forsaken forgotten
Un made
How then to ask for health
What ways will yield pleasure
Could we start with our voices closer to whisper
Than to a shout? Let us treasure those gifts
Tenderness
Kindness
A greeting unexpected
Our lives well marked by compassion, by love
As we listen when children’s laughter
Breaks the morning sadness, the way
Marbles scatter their swirls on the rutted sidewalk.
